Fifteen long years after its inception, Pixar/Disney is finally releasing the third installment of the “Toy Story” franchise on June 18. The pressure of living up to the recognizable film series is a crushing one —but the tested brilliance of screenwriter Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine”) promises a film worthy of the “Toy Story” name.

Since many of the trilogy’s original followers are now clambering into dilapidated cars headed off to college, the film sets its sights on higher education. “Toy Story 3” follows its audience’s growth as Woody’s longtime owner Andy sets off for university. A mix-up leads Andy’s mother to believe that the toys — except Woody — are garbage. Woody’s attempt to rescue his fellow playthings lands them in a daycare. Fed up with the sticky-fingered rampage that ensues, the gang devises a plan to escape the plastic-plush prison and reunite with Andy.

Though the overarching separation anxiety is fairly typical of a “Toy Story” film, the nuanced nostalgia it inspires in its aging audience will be sure to inspire Rex-sized tears from parents and graduating seniors alike. With animation that shines brighter than that of its 1995 predecessor, “Toy Story 3” is bound to be another adventurous romp through Toyland, and hopefully will prove to be as lovable as the first two.